01/01/2018  Shatin  Race 11

JING JING WIN began awkwardly and then was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. NEW ASIA SUNRISE shifted out at the start and bumped RUTHVEN which was taken out onto LOCKHEED. LOCKHEED was then taken out onto SPICY SURE which resulted in CHEERFUL GIGGLES being checked out across the heels of HARRIER JET. When being restrained from a wide barrier to obtain cover, LITTLE DRAGON got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. NEW ASIA SUNRISE lost its left front plate shortly after the start. Passing the 1200 Metres, RUTHVEN got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOCKHEED. PATRIOT HERO, which was following and also travelling keenly, was checked away from the heels of RUTHVEN in consequence. Passing the 1000 Metres, SPICY SURE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT TO PLAY. Rounding the Home Turn, BABA MAMA became unbalanced when bumped by JING JING WIN (A Sanna) which shifted out away from the heels of RUTHVEN. A Sanna was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. LOCKHEED was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. NEW ASIA SUNRISE was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, LOCKHEED was crowded for room between KINGSFIELD and EASTERN EXPRESS (S Clipperton) which shifted out marginally. EASTERN EXPRESS then became unbalanced after making contact with LOCKHEED and shifted out further. S Clipperton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Approaching and passing the 100 Metres, EASTERN EXPRESS and LUCKY DOLLAR raced tight. Throughout the race, KINGSFIELD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he was asked to obtain cover on SPICY SURE as the horse has, on occasions, proved difficult to settle when not able to obtain cover. He said after beginning awkwardly, SPICY SURE was hampered when crowded for room between runners. He said in the early stages he was able to obtain a position outside RUTHVEN and he expected that horse to shift over to race near the rail, however, RUTHVEN remained racing away from the rail which resulted in SPICY SURE being left racing in a three wide position. He said although he had the opportunity to prevent PERFECT TO PLAY from crossing SPICY SURE approaching the 1000 Metres, he was reluctant to ride his mount along at this time to prevent PERFECT TO PLAY from shifting in as he was told that the horse can prove difficult to settle. He said he therefore elected to allow PERFECT TO PLAY to cross SPICY SURE passing the 1000 Metres. He added although SPICY SURE was obliged to race three wide throughout the race, at all times the horse had cover. He said the pace of the race in the middle stages was not quick and although SPICY SURE may have appeared disappointing in the Straight, due to the circumstances of the race, he was not disappointed with the finishing effort of SPICY SURE. A veterinary inspection of SPICY SURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of JING JING WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOCKHEED, KINGSFIELD and NEW ASIA SUNRISE were sent for sampling.